LOCKPORT — In the ever spontaneous world of combat sports unforeseen and wild events tend to happen from time to time.

Saturday’s professional fight card at the Kenan Center Arena is no exception.

With under a week to go in the mega bout between Lockport’s Amer Abdallah and Florida’s Trei Scott (11-0), the Scott camp has confirmed their withdrawal from the fight on Saturday for no specific reason.

“As unsettling and unprofessional as this situation is, we’ve had to move on and focus on another opponent,” matchmaker Andre Hahn of Lace Up Promotions stated.  “We will revisit all of the legal implications after May 14th”  With other names in the light heavyweight mix, Amer Abdallah took it a step further.

“I wanted a good, tough fight to give my Western New York fans,” said Abdallah (9-0).

“I spoke with (trainer) Corey (Webster) and made a decision to step up to the next weight class and take on the big boys.”

Lace Up Promotions has signed 6-feet, 4-inch, 215-pound Jerald “The Gettoblaster” Johnson of Milwaukee Wisconsin as Abdallah’s challenge in Saturday night’s main event.

Johnson (19-4) just won a fight in February by stopping his opponent in the third round. He took the Abdallah fight with open arms and no hesitation.

“We knew he would take it due to our size and experience difference,” Abdallah stated.

 Team Abdallah manager Lizz Bouchard, advisor  “Baby” Joe Mesi and strength and conditioning coach Gina Nowak became aware of Abdallah’s decision just days ago on a live segment of Sports Magazine with Jim Slowey.

“Unfortunately, these things happen in boxing” Mesi said.  “Amer is stepping it up and is going to give the fans a heck of a show on Saturday.”  

Bouchard said, “It took us all by surprise and I was hesitant at first, but I believe in Amer and his skills. He wants this fight and regardless of anyone’s thoughts, he’ll do what he wants anyway. Our job is to support him.”

Abdallah’s team has already made some drastic changes in camp as they’ve brought in taller sparring partners in the final week of preparation.

“We’ve been working on many of the same tools Amer will use for Johnson. It’s minor adjustments that we’re focusing on. We’re going to blast the ‘Ghettoblaster,’” Webster said.

Former trainer Juan Deleon recently flew into Buffalo from Puerto Rico, where he’s preparing undefeated welterweight Felix Mercedes (11-0) for an upcoming fight. Deleon spent time in the Abdallah camp assisting Webster in fine tuning the game plan for a taller, bigger and more experienced opponent.  

In a surprising move, Abdallah has requested a smaller ring to fight in.

“I don’t want to give him the idea that I’m going to run from him. He has to be prepared to die in that ring just as I am. This is sheer warfare. I’m going to walk him down and slay Goliath,” Abdallah said.

Weigh-ins for the event will be open to the public and conducted at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Finnan’s Bar & Grill on Lincoln Avenue.

Also added to the card is former Muay Thai middleweight “Smokin” Joe Pagan, who will be fighting Canadian superstar Jeremy Savoy in a middleweight title fight. Pagan, a principal at the BOCES LoGuidice Center in Fredonia, is stepping out of his role as a school administrator, father and husband to claim his coveted title.

Newfane’s Brian Irr will take on tough Canadian Michael Sherwood of Dayboll’s Jui Jitsu.  Irr, who has captured several martial arts titles, is making the transition to full contact kickboxing.  

Local Edge CEO Jeff Folckemer has announced that the first 500 spectators to walk through the doors on Saturday will be entered to win their choice of either a $1,000 college scholarship or a free IPAD. Folckemer, a major supporter of Team Abdallah, bought all spectators free pizza at the last fight event in July.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster (800-745-3000) or at the Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club (439-5232). For updates, visit www.laceuppromotions.com or the Lace Up Promotions facebook page.